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Selling global stories and sending hope

The rabble podcast network offers an alternative take on politics, entertainment, society, stories, community and life in general. All opinions belong to the podcaster; however, podcasters are expected to adhere to our guidelines. We welcome new podcasters -- contact us for details.

A new wave of young social entrepreneurs want to make goods labeled Made In the Philippines desirable. They are marketing the Philippines with pride based on respect for workers and their heritage with the aim to create "Nan nan", or hope, for their people, and to not leave the poor behind.

Storytelling is part of their medium to sell the island’s products to an overseas buying market. Hangtags are an integral part on the Akaba branded bags – distinctive by their indigenous weave decoration. The republic has a long tradition of regional weaving craft that is being revived by these social entrepreneurs, but overseas consumers need to hear the back story or value the hang tags for these marketers and sellers to succeed in selling the label Made In the Philippines.

gooderGoods went to a recent Cambio Market event in Toronto to hear visiting social entrepreneur EJ Mariano of Akaba Creative tell his tale to an appreciative crowd.

Hearing their stories, Kelly Okamura considered the added value and wondered if consumers would choose to invest their buying dollars on an Akaba man bag over the latest Made in Italy designer branded accessory that swung with style on the recent Spring ’18 catwalks.

She also checked out the latest remittance figures of money going back to the Philippines globally and found the past 16 months it surpassed $2 billion/month.

This podcast is dedicated to the hard working Pilipino that have impressed Kelly over the years with their earnest desire to help themselves plus one back home.

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